Information Paper

Information Paper

Inhibited Red Fuming Nitric Acid

Information Papers are reports of what we know today about Coalition and non-Coalition military equipment, and their uses during the Gulf War of 1990-1991. This particular information paper on inhibited red fuming nitric acid is a cooperative effort, taking into account other research activities and investigations of the Office of the Special Assistant. It is not an investigative report, but is meant to provide the reader with a basic understanding of inhibited red fuming nitric acid. This paper focuses on the background, properties, and uses of inhibited red fuming nitric acid; how it is similar to and different from chemical warfare agents; and the general detection and force protection measures used for inhibited red fuming nitric acid during the Gulf War. The paper also describes generally where and how US forces encountered (and might have encountered) inhibited red fuming nitric acid on the Desert Storm battlefield. This is an interim paper, not a final paper. We hope that you will read this and contact us with any information about Iraqi missile fuels and propellants that would help us better understand inhibited red fuming nitric acid and more accurately report its use during the Gulf War. Please contact my office to report any new information by calling:

1-800-497-6261

Bernard Rostker
Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses
Department of Defense

1999060-0000015

Last Update: August 3, 1999

Many veterans of the Gulf War have been experiencing a variety of physical symptoms, collectively called Gulf War illnesses. In response to veterans’ concerns, the Department of Defense (DoD) established a task force in June 1995 to investigate incidents and circumstances relating to possible causes. The Office of the Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Gulf War Illnesses assumed responsibility for these investigations on November 12, 1996.

As part of the effort to inform the public about the progress of these investigations, DoD is publishing (on the Internet and elsewhere) accounts related to possible causes of illnesses among Gulf War veterans, along with whatever documentary evidence or personal testimony was used in compiling the accounts. The following information paper will aid in understanding incidents involving inhibited red fuming nitric acid, and other hazardous substances, encountered on the Desert Storm battlefield.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. SUMMARY

II. BACKGROUND

III. PROPERTIES AND USE

A. Basic Properties of IRFNA and Rocket Fuel

B. Iraqi Missile Fuels

C. Iraqi Weapon Systems Known to Use IRFNA

1. SS-1 Scud and Variants

2. SA-2 Guideline

3. HY-2 Silkworm

4. AS-9 Kyle

D. Similarities and Differences between IRFNA and Chemical Warfare Agents